ebooks Small Arms at Gettysburg: Infantry and Cavalry Weapons in America's Greatest Battle by Joseph G. Bilby in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book on the small arms used in the Civil WarBy J. GroenThis book was recommended to me by the American Rifleman (one of the magazines for NRA members); and I'm glad that they recommended it. This is an excellent book that covers all the small arms used during the battle of Gettysburg and some that weren't. It does expect an understanding of the battle prior to the reader picking it up so I recommend that you read the Gettysburg book by Sears; Trudeau or Coddington first. Of course; if you have read any book that covers the whole battle; then you will be prepared for this.The book covers all the small arms; each in its own chapter. First; the cavalry carbines are covered; then the rifled-muskets are covered; then the smoothbores; the repeating rifles; the sharpshooters and then it ends with pistols and sabers. The book provides the history of the development of the weapon and then some examples of its use at the battle of Gettysburg; and if not used there; its use in other Civil War (or even other military) actions.All the major weapons; and not so major; are covered; the Sharps carbine; the Enfield and Springfield rifle-musket; the Spencer rifle; the Sharps rifle; and the Colts pistol and rifle.Here are some interesting anecdotes that I picked up to whet your appetite.1. The cavalry at Gettysburg used numerous different carbines; the Sharps; the Merrill; the Burnside; the Gallager; and even a rifle; the Spencer. It must have been a challenge to keep all of these different carbines supplied since they each used different bullets.2. There were three major rifle-muskets used during the battle - the Springfield was the most used; and then the Enfield and an Austrian Lorenz in a number of different calibers.3. Smoothbore muskets up to 100 yards; using buck and ball; where actually more deadly than rifle-muskets and much of the fighting was done at that distance. Consequently; a number of regiments used smoothbores although they stopped using them shortly after Gettysburg.4. There were many different units that used the Sharps rifle; for its skirmishing companies; since this was a very accurate and quick firing rifle.There were more interesting anecdotes.I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the Civil War.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. History of firearmsBy Mac in MichiganThis book is more than what the title indicates. With many references; the author shows the developement of firearms and their use by military from about 17th century to somewhat past the Civil War. This is much more than a book about who did what and when. Beyond being a useful augmentation to the battle at Gettysburg; this is a serious book about technology; military procurement; the need for marksmanship; and the need for leaders to understand the limitations of their "tools."The writing flows well and keeps the interest. Actions from the Battle are use to illustrate. Missing is detail about the 20th Maine led by Chamberlain.If one were to purchase one book on black-powder firearms; this is the book. You might; or might not; wish also to purchase a picture book showing such firearms.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... a practical understanding of firearms and ballistics and a good grasp of historyBy kerry cowmanThe author has both a practical understanding of firearms and ballistics and a good grasp of history. The narrative loosely follows the unfolding of the three day battle with interesting side trails to firearms development across the planet in the 19th Century. The wide ranging narrative flows surprisingly well. It places the great battle into a greater historical context in terms of firearms development. As a shooter of blackpowder guns and civil war enthusiast; I could not put this book down.